Do you want temporary residence in Serbia but are not employed and do not wish to register your own company? Good news is here! The Law on Foreigners allows temporary residence for foreign citizens with foreign higher education diplomas. In this article, find out how to obtain temporary residence based on education.
Basic Requirements for Temporary Residence
The first step toward temporary residence in Serbia is professional recognition of your higher education diploma. This process is carried out by the Agency for Qualifications. Foreign citizens can submit a request via a special electronic portal along with the required documentation.
Required Documentation
To recognize your higher education, the following documents are needed:
- Proof of higher education: diploma and diploma supplement/transcript of grades.
- Certified translations: of the diploma and diploma supplement/transcript by a certified court interpreter.
- Proof of previous education: with a certified translation.
- Photocopy of your passport.
- Short biography: detailing your educational background.
- Proof of payment for the administrative fee.
The duration of the process varies depending on the rank of your university. If your university is on the list of highly ranked institutions, the process takes up to 8 days; otherwise, it may take up to 60 days. The fee for professional recognition is 11,000.00 RSD (around 95 EUR).
Preparing Documentation for Temporary Residence
After your diploma is recognized, the next step is to gather documentation for temporary residence:
- Completed application for temporary residence approval.
- Photocopy of your passport.
- Photocopy of the white card.
- Two photographs.
- Decision on the recognition of the higher education diploma.
- Proof of means of support during your stay.
- Proof of health insurance.
- Consent from the landlord for registering your address, landlord’s ID card, and proof of ownership.
- Short biography.
- Proof of payment for administrative fees.
The application fee is 380.00 RSD (around 3 EUR), and the temporary residence fee is 20,790.00 RSD (around 180 EUR).
How to Submit a Request for Temporary Residence
Requests for temporary residence can be submitted electronically or in person at the offices of the Administration for Foreigners. Scheduling is done via email. If your request is approved, you will be notified about the appointment for collecting biometric data (fingerprints, photographs, signature).
Fees for Biometric Permit
When collecting biometric data, a fee of 1,788.00 RSD (around 15 EUR) is required for the biometric card application and 2,000.00 RSD (around 17 EUR) for the card itself. The original payment proof must be brought to the scheduled appointment.
Collecting Your Biometric Card
Your biometric card, which serves as approval for temporary residence, will be available for pickup at the Administration for Foreigners within seven days of collecting the biometric data.
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